Poison Ivy & Sin / The Problem & the Cure

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

The Problem

A few months ago, I was picking poison ivy from our property. Honestly, I was being proud. I’d cleaned out poison ivy before once before without a reaction, so I was wearing short gloves (not arm length), shorts, and a short sleeve shirt, as I walked through patches of it, ripping them and stuffing them deep into a garbage bag. I rubbed my face a few times, and had long branches of it brush my face, eyes, and get in my mouth. (To give myself a little excuse, I meant to just pick one plant I saw, that led to two, which led to three, which led to where this story finds us. It was a gradual progression and I kept thinking, “one more won’t hurt”, and then “I’ve done this much already. Why stop now?)

How does the thought of that make you feel? “Stupid!”, “What was he thinking!?”, “Ooooo!”, “He deserved what he had coming.”

If you were there with me thinking you were picking up leaves, and then realized that you had been getting poison ivy all over your body, how would you be feeling (before the itch sets in)? “Oh no. Oh no. Oh no.” “How do I get it off?” “Should I shower? Will that make it better or worse?” “How do I avoid spreading this to my family?” “How bad is it going to get?”

Most people take poison ivy very seriously. They stay away. 

How seriously do we take sin?

How does your emotional reaction to realizing that you lied without thinking much of it compare to your emotional reaction to realizing you just tripped into a poison ivy patch? How about your reaction to finding yourself looking at something you shouldn’t? Saying something inappropriate? Thinking something that made you glad others can’t read your mind? How does your reaction compare to landing in that poison ivy patch?

For many, we don’t see the immediate consequences and don’t take it nearly as seriously.

The Bible however reminds us that, “For the wages of sin is death…. (Romans 6:23)” DEATH! And James 2:10 points out, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”

The best definition I have heard of sin is, “Sin is everything in thought, word, and deed that is contrary to the will of God.” (BSF) Anything that we think, say, or do, that is not in obedience to, and for the glory of, God, is sin.  And the wages of sin in death!

Where poison ivy may result in discomfort for a short while for most people (from minimal itch, to a severe medical situation for a few), it is usually not a life changing (or ending) situation. Sin on the other hand results in eternal death, separation from God.

My reaction when I stepped back and realized my situation with the poison ivy, helped me to see how flippantly I can dismiss my own sin. Do you dismiss and excuse your sin? Do you see the gravity of the situation?

The Cure

If you find yourself covered in poison ivy and a trusted, experienced, neighbor walks over, sees your plight, and lets you know that there is an antidote for poison ivy, and that they will go get some for you, how do you feel? Perhaps doubtful, but hopeful, considering the source. Perhaps able to breathe again with relief.

There is an antidote for poison ivy. I’m not sure why it’s not more widely known, but there is an antidote. Jewelweed often grows near poison ivy, and is the natural antidote. (Apparently there is a natural chemical in the sap that breaks down the Urushiol from the poison ivy, effectively neutralizing it.) 

Elyse and I first learned about Jewelweed while taking a walk in the park back in Ohio, before moving to Missouri. We took a picture of the beautiful flower (the jewel), searched for it, and had a huge “AHA” moment! God is so good. We had never known it, but he provided the antidote for the dreaded poison ivy right there, and we never knew! (Do you ever wonder what else we don’t know that could help with so many other issues?)

One of my subtle hopes as we looked at properties is that we would have jewelweed (along with cattails, and a few other things).

As God provided the antidote for poison ivy (even if most have no idea, or are doubtful even hearing about it), he also provided the antidote for sin, though that antidote was more costly, as the consequences are more severe.

Just as the Jewelweed must be crushed to let the juices flow out and cover the affected area, so Jesus, the Son of God, was crushed for our sins. As Isaiah wrote, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

The cost was high, but we didn’t pay it. Jesus did. He didn’t just neutralize the effects of sin, he took them. He died in our place. He took our sin and gave us his righteousness.

The wages of sin truly is death. God did not change that; He just sent Jesus to take that death for us.

If you are covered with poison ivy, how does your response to hearing about an antidote compare to your hearing about the antidote for sin? Think about that. What does it say about how seriously we see sin? For me, it has a been convicting to see how easily I dismiss sin, and take the antidote for granted.

Lord, I pray that you would help me to see your holiness, the horror of my sin, and be overwhelmed at your great gift!

The story ended well. Though I got into the poison ivy early in the season, before the jewelweed had grown (or at least before I could identify it), my arms got somewhat itchy, just enough that it felt good to gently rub my finger nails over them, and a little itchy at night. I didn’t pass it to others. And it passed in about a week. I am grateful for God’s mercy on my pride.

Resources:

Music, Trees, Scraps and Joyful Teamwork

Today (written March 22, 2024) was a great day. Elyse and I woke up to the boys playing their instruments together. Not fighting, but joyfully playing together! We then started with family exercise, family Bible time, family announcements and Breakfast (… as a family). And everything went smoothly and all were involved and encouraging each other, continuing on the great start… It’s interesting how very not well this simple routine can sometimes go, making today a great blessing. :o)

Two of the “Special” tasks for today were to dig holes and plant three fig trees and clean up and sort the siding and decking from removing a rotting deck and siding). (“Special” tasks, not counting all the “regular” activities like preparing three healthy, freshmade meals a day, doing laundry, and keeping the house orderly while homeschooling three ages with a baby in the house and house repairs still ongoing. Thank you, Darling!)

These two tasks reminded me how great it is to work together joyfully. For the trees, I was the full time pick-axer (the Ozarks have a LOT of large stones) and went from hole to hole and the boys shoveled them out behind me (three trees, three holes and three boys). Our neighbor and older friend who has basically adopted our family happened to come by and was working with us for the last hole. It was great to see the boys joyfully jump into the work and be down on hands and knees removing the dirt and stones. It became something of a race, but with them helping each other if wanted.

We then had one hour before supper and decided to see how much we could get done on cleaning up the siding and deck scraps. I had low expectations and was amazed. Everyone jumped in full force. All were grabbing and stacking the siding. One of the boys and I sorted the decking wood for keeping or burning, while another got busy removing nails from the keeper boards, and another was in charge of organizing the finished wood on a dolly.

I thought this would take hours or even days. We went through the piles and cleaned up scraps on the ground in one hour. I was amazed.

It is amazing how much can get done, quickly and well, when everyone sets their minds to do so and works together joyfully.

Now, if only we can learn from today and hit future tasks with such joyful teamwork. That doesn’t always happen (it often doesn’t), but today was a great picture of what can happen when it does.

Our yard is no longer an obstacle course of rotting boards and we now have three different fig trees added to the two apples we recently planted and the two apples and two Asian pears that we planted in the fall (which are now getting leafy with flower buds!).

Between that, collecting eggs, taking care of the chickens and rabbits and the countless other jobs, life is full and a joy to learn more about God’s amazing creation and how we may plant and water, but it is He that makes things grow!

Lord, grow in us a spirit of love. Love for you and for one another. Thank you for the snapshot of “how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Update (2024/05/06) – Today we finally finished picking up the piles of rocks that were created by digging those holes. Again, it was a joy seeing the boys jump into picking up the rocks, trimming the weeds (to find more rocks), etc. This doesn’t always happen so joyfully, but this whole project with the trees has been such a joy. We have been rewarded by seeing all of them growing well. The apples and pears are already showing fruit, but we picked them off to promote root growth this year instead of fruit growth. We are looking forward to seeing how our mini orchard grows and how our family, through hard work, persistence and the work of the Holy Spirit, can grow along with it.

Azure Standard

We have been members of Costco for quite a few years. As it was, the amazing price on steel cut oats and whole grain brown rice alone covered the cost of membership. With both of these now being gone (and having been gone for quite some time), we started looking into options. The best option that came up, which seems to be well known in the homesteading community, but we had totally missed it, is Azure Standard.

Basically, you place your order online and the Azure trucks make their rounds throughout the US once a month to drop off at a central point near you for everyone to pick up their orders. There are no minimum orders, just order as you have needs.

The secret we found for great pricing is to buy in bulk. The website breaks down the price per item/weight/etc. and buying in bulk can save quite a bit for most items. (Enough to invest in some food grade buckets and twist lids for storage. :o) Buying in bulk takes some advanced planning, but reduces costs overall and may also reduce impulse shopping, if that is a temptation.

We picked up our first order and are seeing that this works for our family. We haven’t completely dropped Costco yet, but that may be coming before too long.

This also helps with our desire to be more on the homestead and less in the city. With buying bulk and delivery nearby, we aren’t spending a lot of time shopping and in the city. Eventually our goal is to be more “community sufficient” and decrease the needs for outside resources, but for now this seems to be a good way to provide for many of our needs.

(Our focus for now with Azure is on dried products, grains, rices, etc. as we see what works best for our family.)

We may post an update on this once we have more to say, but for now we have been happy.

If you should want to try Azure, we would appreciate your using our Referral link for a credit towards our purchases (https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=0e932062e4), or go to https://www.azurestandard.com/start and use our referral code (RobertGoll2).

Helping to unload the truck. Grab a package and find the pile for that family. Fun and a chance to connect.

Update (2025/04/22 – Over one year using Azure)

Additional positives that we have found:

Clearance – Each month, it can also be fun to see what they have on clearance. Sometimes things are just a small discount, but occasionally there is something on deep discount that can make a nice treat for the family. We don’t usually end up ordering clearance items, but it can be a fun bonus sometimes.

Community – As we’ve been there for quite a few pickups, we have also enjoyed talking with others who are there to pick up. It’s a nice group and tends to have some similarity of thought with desire to stay healthy and being organized enough to make the plans for shopping in advance once a month. We’ve enjoyed connecting with others in line. (Speaking of the “line”. The line is to help unload the truck. Everyone who would like to help unload, stands in line on the ground while the driver is in the truck. He hands you a box and you go put it by the name markers that are on the ground. (Don’t worry, if you can’t help with the line, that is no problem. Others have fun doing it.)

We have found two potential negatives:

Timing of the pickup – You know when you order what week the truck will come (Monday-Friday), but not specifically which day, that isn’t known until a few days before (and could change if the truck has issues). This can make planning a bit difficult. We did need to miss one pickup due to a scheduling conflict. The organizers of our local pickup were kind enough to take our bag (fortunately a small order that month) to their house for us to pick up later. Some organizers may charge a small fee for this. As we get to know more people using Azure, we can help each other to pick up if there is a conflict.

Rain/Snow – We have been using Azure for a year and I don’t think we’ve run into this, but rain or snow could be an issue. The truck comes when the truck comes. There may be some cover at your drop-off point, or perhaps not. That could be an issue with bulk dry goods. We’ve had this in mind some months as it looked like it could rain, but I don’t think it has been an issue.

We have continued to enjoy Azure. It has been a good fit for our family.

Egg Yolks… How orange can they be?

The picture doesn’t show the orange very well, but the difference was very clear.

We have loved having chickens. Our boys go out to play with the chickens and all of us love watching their silly antics. Ours free range so they get themselves into all sorts of mischief. By free ranging they also get themselves into all sorts of good food! And this impacts the health of the chicken and the health of the eggs.

We received some of our hens as chicks and some were already laying when a friend gave them to us. Those that were already laying had been kept in a very large chicken run and fed a diet of chicken feed with various grains, minerals, etc.

When we had our first eggs the yolks were a pale yellow, much like the eggs that are often in the store. After just a few weeks of free ranging we noticed a huge change in the eggs, the yolks have been getting more and more orange, indicating that they are becoming more and more healthy!

It is amazing the difference that comes with simply allowing the chickens to wander around eating bugs, grasses, etc. This also dramatically lowers the cost of feed. We still make some feed available occasionally, but the vast majority of their food is helping our property to have less bugs, while also helping to fertilize the soil.. :o) 

With our baby girl recently turning four months old, we are especially grateful for this change as egg yolks are a great first food. It’s wonderful knowing that we will be able to give her this great start when she starts solids in a few months.

God’s creation really is amazing. When we let chickens be chickens, as God created them, it benefits everyone, they help the land, we have better food, and they are having a great time doing it!

Bee Hives

Our hive is to the left (my right), and the two traps are to the right (my left).

God’s creation is so amazing. Recently we have been getting ready to start a beehive. As part of this, we have been learning about God’s creation of bees. Bees are an amazing creation. From the detailed ways they can communicate with each other, to their all fulfilling their vital roles, to their knowing to take an orientation flight when their hive is moved. Oh, there is so much more… I almost skipped writing this post because I can’t begin to share how amazed we have been as we’ve learned about these amazing creatures. That can be another post once we learn more.

As we did our research we decided to go with a horizontal hive. Most hives you see are vertical hives with boxes being stacked on top of each other (vertically). Our hive is horizontal with direct access to the whole hive. (It seems that the vertical hives work better for commercial beekeepers since they can be moved in pieces to move them north for the summer and south for the winter. For our just being where we are, we liked the benefits of the horizontal hive.)

One thing that I like is that we won’t be buying bees. Instead we will “trap” them with bee traps in trees. (While called “traps”, the goal is to create a great spot for bees so that they will choose to move in and make a home.)

I don’t want to speak beyond my fuller understanding, so I’ll need to write more when we have more experience and can share what we are learning along the way.

For now, I just want to share our latest adventure in learning and amazement at God’s creation!
Note: One interesting fact that we learned is that “killer bees” (Africanized honey bees) aren’t found in nature at all. They are the “brilliant idea” of scientists looking to create a more productive honeybee. The plan was to cross the genetics of two bees to have a better honey bee, instead they just got really angry bees, which escaped the lab and multiplied and spread (sound familiar…). God’s ways are best and there are consequences when we mess with His creation. We learned about it from a book, not Wikipedia, but it has basic information online.

(Stewardship 16) Conclusion

 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1

I do realize that I can go on with the list of resources for a much longer time, thinking about all the books, websites, and news articles, etc., that have been helpful. I started out as a journal entry, but apparently there is more on my heart and mind to offload. Thank you for joining this faith journey with us. Through all the sorting and reflecting, what matters is that the point is already clear to us: we are “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” and the Lord is faithful! Now is the time for us to continue to “run with endurance”. We still have a ton to learn, … and unlearn. We have already faced several unexpected major life challenges since we bought the property and know there are more to come. We still have fears, uncertainties, inadequacies, but He will go before us and with us! Where we are weak, we are strong in Him. He has provided abundantly! Wherever He leads us, we are to worship Him and proclaim His Name wholeheartedly. What we do, we do it for His glory! Lord, help us to do so! Amen! 

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 

What are you called to step out in faith to do what God has prepared you to do?

Here are links to all 16 posts in the “Stewardship” journal from Elyse’s Journal written around 3/25/2023.
1. Seeking His will to take back the stewardship of the land (Rob’s Introduction)
2. I. “Who”: Rescued from the System
3. II. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 1: Work System
4. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2a: Medical System
5. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2b: Birth System
6. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Chain of Spirit-led decisions
7. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 3: Education
8. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Aliens and Strangers in the world
9. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Freedom
10. Simple, Abundant Living as a family wherever you are
11. Called to the Land
12. III. Land – “Inheritance”
13. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)
14. IV. How (resources)
15. Resources
16. Conclusion

(Stewardship 15) Resources

Homesteaders of America (HOA) 

Just like when we started homeschooling, we attended homeschool conferences and we see conferences are good places to start and gain a big picture of a new field. It was not long after the COVID time, many other conferences were canceled or rescheduled, but the HOA conference went on rain or shine. 

The speakers are not all faith-leaders though, and you will need to sort out the information afterwards. What I like to do is to look up the speakers beforehand, check out their books, YouTube channels, websites, etc.. and do more research afterwards. 

Check out local homestead gatherings will be a great way to get started and informed. 

Joe Salatin and PolyFace Farm 

I can’t go very far without mentioning Joe Salatin, as a strong leader both in faith and God-centered homesteading. We first met him from HOA, and didn’t realize that very soon his name would become frequently used in our daily conversations. On HOA’s podcast page, there is one from Joe worth listening if you are considering homesteading:
E13: Why Homesteading? A Candid Chat About the Homestead Tsunami

It’s important to know our whys before we make a commitment into anything, homesteading included. 

We also had the opportunity to visit PloyFace Farm and wrote a blog post about our visit. 

Joe is an inspirational speaker and writer. 

A good book to start is :The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs (The audiobook, read by Joe, is also available) 

This book will make you think and be prepared to stay open-minded.

Farmageddon Documentary: 

My husband and I rarely have time to sit down to watch a movie as we navigate busy homeschool life. Sometimes, we may have a family movie time as a treat, but to watch a movie with just the two of us seems like a luxury of the use of time. Even when we do, we rarely finish a movie at one sitting. That being all said, this documentary is an exception. God has put this movie on our heart in His perfect timing to prepare us to count the cost as we follow Him. We are encouraged to know we still desire to homestead after watching this movie. Our highest calling is to follow His lead through thick and thin. We have seen the potential blessings of homesteading, such as good food, quiet living, etc., but it is a relief to know our heart is not for pursuing the comfort of life but to follow the truth. 

In His providential leading, we were able to meet the courageous and faithful raw milk farmer featured in the documentary at a Christian camp, very soon after we watched the movie! Rhyming notes for his talk on Raw milk (Scroll all the way down) are available on our blog. 

Back to Eden Documentary. 

If you are interested in organic gardening/homesteading and have not watched this film yet, watch it! You will be blessed. A biography about him is the popular book Growing Food God’s Way! 

AbundaCulture

“Abundacultre is an integrated system that allows a child of God, in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, to access God’s abundance in providing energy, housing, clean water, good food, and sanitary living conditions for himself and to share with others.”

I was pretty excited early on in our journey in seeking God’s will in homesteading when their website showed right in front of me! Lord willing, we would like to visit and learn how they build the off-grid houses. 

Some instructions for building small off-grid houses, and AbundaCulture Training Manual are available on the website. 

Jared Dodd-Dodd Family Ministry 

We met Jared at the same homeschool family camp where we met the former raw milk farmer. Even though Jared didn’t directly influence us in the direction of homesteading, their faith-filled lifestyle and teaching have been very inspiriational. Since it was our first time to attend the family camp, Jared has graciously gifted us his book The Essentials: 16 qualities that will set your child up success. We are so blessed by his focused mind and truthful teaching.  As we faced all the ups and downs in our property searching, my husband kept quoting Jared’s call to the fathers to protect, provide and lead. We have confidence that our Heavenly Father will ultimately protect, provide and lead our loved ones as we seek His kingdom and righteousness first. 

Gather & Grow 

Go to their Resources page, and sign up for their newsletters if you are serious about the family economy. You will not be disappointed. Rory has authored the book Durable Trades to look at the family economy from a practical and historical point of view. We are very much encouraged by a real life example of one former urban family, now transitioned to a more traditional way of the whole family working together. Reading their newsletters has inspired us to continue ours to encourage others who might be called on the same path. Their newsletters also include announcements of events they are hosting or speaking at, and guest writers, which broaden the views and opportunities for like-minded networking. We found out about Jared Dodd from one of their newsletters. 

Generations Radio 

I have more to say about Generations for homeschool resources, but for now I just want to mention its Christ-centered radio program. Knowing history and current events with a Christian perspective is crucial as we make decisions for the family in seeking His will. Homesteading is just one expression or application of our Christian worldviews for our family for this time of history. In other words, homesteading is a means not an end for home discipleship. Knowing our whys can help us anchor ourselves no matter whether we are in the city or in the country. 

By this point, you probably have noticed the rabbit trail can lead us from one thing to the other. Seek, we will find. He is always faithful! 

We heard about  Durable Trades from Generations radio. Another recent episode discussed whether this is the time for your family to move. Just one more to mention on Christian living is Every Family is in Ministry. Of course, there are a variety of topics for the radio program and the related links are listed to give you a glimpse into faith-based family ministry or possible move as a follow-up decision. 

Education for Success

We first heard about this ministry from the Teach Them Diligently homeschool convention. Rhea’s euthusiam in what she does to help families build home businesses has ignited the entrepreneurial spirit inside of me. As a homeschool mom, I know something about renewing and reforming ways we do and can do home education needs to happen. Even though we have not used their purchased service or resources yet, I am grateful for all the new ideas and possibilities I can continue to explore and research afterwards. 

One Cow Revolution 

Shawn and Beth Dougherty  believe the dairy cow is the original solar battery and they have authored The Independent Farmstead.They write and teach on the topic of small-scale intensive grass-based farming and sustainable food production. The Healing Land has a 6-part series of their teaching on reviving the independent farmstead. They live only less than 2 hours away from where our city house is in Ohio now. I wish we knew about them earlier to make plans to pay a visit to their farm. Gratefully, they have made many resources available online through their websites. 

Redeeming the Dirt 

When the Lord led me to this ministry, I felt like a huge faith booster and couldn’t wait to watch the teaching videos together with my husband. They shut down their successful farm business after 13 seasons in order to focus on serving the body of Christ involved in agriculture. Knowing other fellow believers made bold faithful choices to follow God’s lead for the same calling is inspiring for us to continue to follow God’s lead. A friend of ours just gifted us Born-Again Dirt: Farming to the Glory of God by Noah Sander knowing we are heading into homesteading. We are thrilled! 

School of Traditional Skills 

I am blown away by how every good source of homestead information can all come together here! It’s fun to see those names I have just learned not too long ago appear again and again at this school. What a confirmation for the research God has allowed me to work on! The price is reasonable for all the expertise, teachings and training. They also host free zoom classes on a variety of homesteading skills. It is worth your time to take a look even just to get some names for further reading and learning, especially if you are just starting out as a new homesteader. Josh and Carolyn, this wonderful faith-filled couple hosts another site with blog posts and podcasts, called Homestead Family and YouTube channel here. 

Living Traditions 

Recommended by our friends knowing we are moving to MO. We are very much inspired by their story and can’t wait to check it out when we move down there. 

Farmstead Meatsmith  

First learned about this resource from School of Traditional Skills . Definitely one of a kind butcher. The way he processes meat is a form of art! I am not surprised to find out he was an English major, with deep thinking and rich vabulary. He will not just teach you the traditional skills you need to harvest and process meat, but he will ignite your spirit to live an abundant life for God. On a side note, their family recently moved from Washington state to Oklahoma, which is encouraging to hear as we made our recent move. I agree with the way they see freedom as more of a claim of our responsibility. 

The Kinnard Homestead

We are called to look into homesteading out of faith not out of experience. Faith is the #1 reason for all we do. Thankfully, the Lord has timly led us to this family and their faithful farm story. Faith is the foundation for their farm, which is another confirmation and encouragment for God’s calling for us. 

Millsap Farm 

Aww, Millsap! We had no idea a farm so far away on the website can become so close (less than 20 minutes away close) and intimate within such a short time! Only our sovereign God can arrange such events in His wonderful and mysterious ways. We are attracted by their faith, hard work, love for the neighbors for God’s glory. Meeting the Millsap family in person trumped hours of research online. We are very much looking forward to growing our faith together with this family! They have modeled what true hospitality is to us and made our vision come alive in welcoming people from all walks into their lives. 

Shepherds Bridge Farm 

I was trying to find their website to include the link. When their facebook page opened up, my heart was instantly warmed up by their smiling faces. This incredible faith-filled couple has been our mentors, vision casters, inspirational real life examples. God is amazing to allow us to meet in His perfect timing, perfect way. We are so grateful to have a mission-minded host to allow families to stay and learn. Their sacrificial giving and contributions to the community for God’s glory made our vague dreams become real goals. They host different family-friendly events to educate and encourage new and seasoned homesteaders. Recently, they have hosted a whole day event for Joe Salatin’s teaching on “Foundations on Resilient Food System”. If you are in the northeast Ohio area, make it a destination point to meet this couple soon, you will be encouraged in your homesteading adventure. We were actually looking at properties near them for a while, but God has different plans for us, and we are learning to let go and trust Him. 

WWOOF; Workaway 

We started out as urban homesteaders with no experience or background in farming. These two sites give us opportunities to check out other farms, especially local farms. We found Shepherds Bridge Farm from Workaway and checked out several local farms from WWOOF. The challenge is to sift through all the farms when we desire to bring children along. You will need discernment in making those choices. Some farms can claim to be “Christians” but if you read their description more closely, you will see huge differences in doctrines. WWOOF has some practical filters to make decisions a little easier. We found Millsap Farm from WWOOF but back then we thought it was too far away for us to visit but maybe in the future. We certainly didn’t expect the “future” to be so soon! 

On the other hand, we also see these two sites can be potential tools for the future. Not only can they bring some farm hands, but also we can have the opportunity to serve other visitors to our homestead for God’s glory. We have received a lot of grace visiting different farms and are looking forward to passing on the grace.

Here are links to all 16 posts in the “Stewardship” journal from Elyse’s Journal written around 3/25/2023. (The link will not work until the post is posted.)
1. Seeking His will to take back the stewardship of the land (Rob’s Introduction)
2. I. “Who”: Rescued from the System
3. II. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 1: Work System
4. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2a: Medical System
5. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2b: Birth System
6. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Chain of Spirit-led decisions
7. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 3: Education
8. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Aliens and Strangers in the world
9. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Freedom
10. Simple, Abundant Living as a family wherever you are
11. Called to the Land
12. III. Land – “Inheritance”
13. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)
14. IV. How (resources)
15. Resources
16. Conclusion

(Stewardship 14) IV. How (resources)

First and foremost I know without a doubt our starting point and ongoing guidance is from His living Word. This is true for our homesteading adventure, and also true for all other major and minor decisions in life. His truth penetrates every corner of our mind and soul to set us free, to cleanse us, to make us more like Him. His word is living and active for our practical living for His glory. He nudges our hearts from our daily reading and weekly sermons and various Bible studies. His consistent leading gives peace and strength to continue the pursuit of God-sufficient (rather than “Self-sufficient”) homesteading. 

After our second son was born, we were blessed and challenged with a fixer-upper adventure. In the midst of the chaos, along with God leading His people out of Egypt (we did the Life of Moses study through BSF), God made the heaven-bound vision more clear to us. We started writing to reflect and record 3rd Culture Living as a family. His leading, teaching, rebuking, and corrections are consistent but usually gentle. However, God does give specific callings to specific people at specific times to test and stretch our faith. When we are stretched, we are out of our comfort zone and become needy and helpless. As much as I would rather be in charge, I have learned to embrace my weaknesses as He lovingly exposes it for my good. I know where I am weak, I am strong in Him and His light shines through this broken vessel for His glory! 

Over thirteen years ago, the Lord used Abraham’s example to faithfully follow God’s call (Genesis 12:1–9) to an unknown place, to challenge us to leave China, everything familiar there, and come to America. Once again, the same verses caught our attention to continue to follow Him. We have sensed His call to go to an unknown place and need to wait patiently for His will to unfold in His timing. After many twists and turns over a span of almost three years, we are excited, at this point, to see His direction more clearly. Lord willing, we are going to move our family to Missouri soon. 

The past few years of intentional seeking, preparations, waiting, and acting has reminded me a lot of the time when we were seeking God’s guidance for our marriage. From a seed of faith to a reality takes time, trials, confirmations and then deeper faith in our good and gracious Father above. He is the one to give and the one to take away. He sanctifies our hearts and motives as our hearts are stirred by all the changes, gains, losses due to His calling. Following Him step by step and allowing Him to be the Lord, we are learning to do what is right in front of us faithfully and joyfully, no matter what the outcome is like.  We know our all-knowing, all-loving Father has our best interest in mind, so we have nothing to lose or fear as we follow Him. All is good in His sovereign plans, even when we lost several bidding wars, were informed about one seller being sent to the hospital after we signed, and another faced an unclean title after the final contracts were signed! 

We had doubts and asked honest questions. Shouldn’t things go more smoothly as we follow God’s will? The world may teach that. Our security is never promised here and now. Jesus prepared his disciples before his departure from this world that, “…in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Our trouble is nothing compared to the early Christians in Jesus’ time, but the principles of being prepared for the hard times to come are still true as we continue to pick up our own cross daily to follow Him. 

Looking back, we have seen many blessings waiting on Him. Since we didn’t have a buyers agent while looking at many houses, we were kind of acting like our own agent, doing our own house inspections. Each “no” has been instrumental to help us clarify our “yes”es! As we learn and put what we learn into practice, we have a growing interest in real estate investments, something again that would not have crossed our minds if we got the house we wanted early on. The Lord is so gentle and gracious to take us one step at a time as we are treading through new territories as He leads. 

He has not called us to go and make disciples alone, though there may be times of temptations to go solo or feel alone. As we continue to seek the Truth, the Truth will be found for His will to be done. At the beginning, I knew no one in our Christian circle with a family economy mindset. The search was hard and slow. A lot of homesteading materials available were provided by earth-centric or new age support groups. Even though their information is pratical, I can’t isolate our homestead pursuit from our philosophies in life. I asked the Lord to lead us to God-fearing homestead leaders as His truth covers all areas in our lives. He is as always faithful, even when we are faithless. I am overwhelmed by His goodness through His abundant provisions of so many wonderful resources. I wish I could name them all but decided to only select a few most impactful ones to our family. I want to record them here for future references and to give thanks for God’s specific provisions. If you can find encouragement for your homestead journey, my joy will surely be multiplied. 

The list will be in the next post…

Here are links to all 16 posts in the “Stewardship” journal from Elyse’s Journal written around 3/25/2023. (The link will not work until the post is posted.)
1. Seeking His will to take back the stewardship of the land (Rob’s Introduction)
2. I. “Who”: Rescued from the System
3. II. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 1: Work System
4. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2a: Medical System
5. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2b: Birth System
6. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Chain of Spirit-led decisions
7. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 3: Education
8. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Aliens and Strangers in the world
9. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Freedom
10. Simple, Abundant Living as a family wherever you are
11. Called to the Land
12. III. Land – “Inheritance”
13. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)
14. IV. How (resources)
15. Resources
16. Conclusion

(Stewardship 13) III. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)

For years, I was very satisfied and content with the spiritual blessings of this promised inheritance because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. But life is not about simple contentment but obedience. As the homeschool years keep rolling, our desire to exercise our stewardship through taking care of the land, animals, and all creatures on land has been increasing. We are but dust. What if we are closer to our roots and His creation? How will that change our lives? What if the blessings to the Israelites in terms of the promised land can be applied to us in a tangible way as well? What if God has wonderful things to teach us through His creations? The Spirit keeps nudging our hearts to pay attention to our roots and substance: dust or land. 

Personal land or properties are taken seriously during Bible times and even today in many parts of the world. More detailed instructions in land dealings are recorded in the Bible. Lands are blessings for generations. Even before sin entered the world, “the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Working in the garden was a man’s first job. Our calling to be back to the land also started from the man of our house. My husband’s holy ambition to work with his hands, each one in the family, has inspired me to explore this unbelievable option. 

Just like homeschooling, my husband led the way. Out of a desire to be submissive in the Lord, I did my own research about the option to homeschool both biblically and practically, and saw the promises and blessings of this holy calling. I can’t say it is all a smooth transition, but I will not trade anything for the privilege of homeschooling. All good things are worth fighting for! What a blessing to have a visionary and humble leader of the house! Even though we have our fair share of disagreement, miscommunications, or even heated discussions (okay, to be honest, some discussions were so heated to the point of arguments), our relationship has become deeper and more authentic as we knit our lives so closely together. The Lord knows what we need when He matched us together across the globe. 

At this point, homesteading is simply an overflow of our lifestyle, home education, home business and ministry. It is not so much a brand new direction, even though it might look like a new move. The land with its many inherent blessings plays a beautiful key role to tie many things we are doing, desire to learn, and many possibilities together. For many centuries, personal land has been a place to produce, to build, to farm, to gather, to give birth, to have weddings or funerals and so much more. In other words, lands served people abundantly. It is not until the recent industrial world, people have become indebted and enslaved to property (not even much land). Many people are serving the property with their day jobs, not to mention house maintainance, mowing, high taxes, etc.. 

What if you are debt-free to do what you are truly called to do? What if you can reduce the cost of living so you don’t have to work long hours? What if you have time-freedom to enjoy the work like the first man, Adam, in the garden? Are you looking to move to the country to avoid something or to embrace something better? How are you preparing your homesteading mindset and lifestyle where you are? Do you have particular callings or ministiries to stay in the city? If so, how often is your physical presence required? What city conveniences would be hard to let go? Do you meet with like-minded friends where you are to continue learning and growing? Do you have family and parents’ support and blessings if you are called to the country? 

If those brain-storming questions have stirred up something in your Spirit to take some actions, pray and read His Word with a humble heart and continue to seek His guidance. Again, stay open-minded for His speaking and leading. Changes are hard. Don’t force the change but allow the Father to take your hand to the unknown places. Don’t worry about your loved ones or what others may say. God will take care of your loved ones as you seek His Kingdom and His righteousness first. Just like homeschooling takes the parental team, homesteading takes a family team. Part of waiting on His timing is waiting for His preparations for everyone in the family involved. 

You don’t need to have a perfect marriage or super obedient children to work as a team. Each family has its own issues and challenges. Homesteading will definitely bring a family closer if you strive to do the work together. Even the preparation stage has provided us ample opportunities to dream, discuss, disagree, design together. We continue to learn to love and forgive each other each day. 

May the Lord grant us greater faith to be faithful stewards with our little and trust our good Master will entrust us with more for His glory in His way and perfect timing.

Here are links to all 16 posts in the “Stewardship” journal from Elyse’s Journal written around 3/25/2023. (The link will not work until the post is posted.)
1. Seeking His will to take back the stewardship of the land (Rob’s Introduction)
2. I. “Who”: Rescued from the System
3. II. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 1: Work System
4. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2a: Medical System
5. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2b: Birth System
6. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Chain of Spirit-led decisions
7. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 3: Education
8. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Aliens and Strangers in the world
9. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Freedom
10. Simple, Abundant Living as a family wherever you are
11. Called to the Land
12. III. Land – “Inheritance”
13. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)
14. IV. How (resources)
15. Resources
16. Conclusion

(Stewardship 12) III. Land – “Inheritance”

What is inheritance? Something received after a previous owner or ancestor dies. We receive inheritance usually after someone’s death. Does God die? Can God die? If God is God, how can He die? 

God is spirit, all-present, always living, self-existing. God does not have a body like we do. However, this doesn’t mean God cannot withhold or give up His control for His Holy purposes, such as saving a wretch like you and me. God the Father loves us so much, that He is willing to send His one and only Son, Jesus, to this world. Jesus, God the Son, perfectly and willingly obeyed the Father, gave up His place in Heaven with the Father, to die for our sins. But God has overcome death and rose again!! Jesus now is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him (1 Peter  3:22). 

This is why each year Christians around the world celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. …And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” ( 1 Corinthians 15: 14, 17-19) 

Jesus died and rose again so we who trust and fear Him can inherit the promise land above in Heaven. I believe in Jesus not for the inheritance of the land. I believe because He has called me to His Kingdom. As His child, I can inherit His promised land. Most importantly, as His child, I can be in His presece, with Him forever! The inheritance is totally His mercy and blessings. I have no part in taking any credit in possessing this land. This unmerited favor upon me is overwhleming. 

The promised inheritance is free but costly. If right now someone offers you a nice property with a nice house on it for free, are you willing to own it? The price is paid in full, no mortgage, no down payment, no agency fees, no repair needed, no inspection needed, all perfect conditions you can imagine with the nicest furniture and appliances included.  Will you be interested to check out who this generous giver is? Or will you simply write it off as a scam? Yes, all those offers are too good to be true in our world. We should exercise discernment to be suspicious of those “nice” offers. 

But this offer is not simply a nice offer, it is a sure promise for those who fear the one true living God! Are you willing to leave everything behind and come? You can bring your whole family if they are willing to believe this offer and follow.  If you don’t know the Giver, no matter how good and real the offer is, you may still hesitate. Until one day, you have received a letter explaining your blood relationship to the owner, how much He has provided and loved you. You are told your brother is coming to bring you home. When you see your brother, you realize right away you are from the same family! What a happy reunion!  You learned about more stories of your childhood before you were lost, your real name, your real father. 

I guess my point is not to tell you a dramatic story, but to say the inheritance for those who believe Jesus is Lord is real! Jesus is the real deal! Jesus and His presence makes Heaven a joy-filled place. But how about right now before we are united with our Lord in Heaven? God never forsakes us or leaves us. We, as we repent our sins, have the Holy Spirit living in us to guide us to His truth in our remaining days on earth. 

Jesus’ disciple, Peter, a former fisherman, but when filled with the Spirit, he boldly proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2: 28-39)

The blessing of this heavenly inheritance is generational! Are you called to receive Jesus and His forgiveness?

Here are links to all 16 posts in the “Stewardship” journal from Elyse’s Journal written around 3/25/2023. (The link will not work until the post is posted.)
1. Seeking His will to take back the stewardship of the land (Rob’s Introduction)
2. I. “Who”: Rescued from the System
3. II. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 1: Work System
4. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2a: Medical System
5. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 2b: Birth System
6. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Chain of Spirit-led decisions
7. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Shake-up 3: Education
8. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Aliens and Strangers in the world
9. “Fear the Lord” and “He will instruct”: Freedom
10. Simple, Abundant Living as a family wherever you are
11. Called to the Land
12. III. Land – “Inheritance”
13. Land – “Inheritance” (continued)
14. IV. How (resources)
15. Resources
16. Conclusion